In murder-trial mayhem, dignified justice: My Word

November 24, 2013|By Joseph Bodiford

I have had the unfortunate experience of seeing the dashcam video of the murders of Officer Jeffrey Kocab and Officer David Curtis. Nauseating, irrefutable, this case presented the defense with an unwinnable scenario: not one, but two murders of law enforcement officers captured on video. In the swirl of publicity and heated calls for vigilante vengeance that enveloped the outcome of this murder trial, we must remain focused on the justice system that Officer Kocab and Officer Curtis served — for which they gave their lives.

As a criminal defense attorney, I worry about the bloodthirsty public comments posted in response to news stories about this case, and most criminal cases. I worry because those members of the public may one day be members of a jury, and a jury blinded by hatred may convict a defendant at any cost, even if that defendant is innocent.

As a society, only our belief that people have the right to a fair trial before an untainted pool of jurors reaffirms our faith in the justice system, a faith that I hope is stronger than our bloodlust for revenge.

Watching the trial of Dontae Morris begged for a sober moment. This disturbing case teaches us that justice must be allowed its slow and cumbersome course, and that we should trust that the system can work.

There are not enough words to describe the incredible loss that Officer Kocab's and Officer Curtis' families, friends, and countless fellow law enforcement officers have suffered and will continue to suffer now that this trial is over. If there is any comfort for the victims, we as a community should renew our commitment to the justice system that these officers served with their lives. They deserve dignified justice, and not the senseless street-side killing that their fellow officers fight to protect us from every day.

When we are called to duty to serve on a jury, we should serve with the same honor and dignity.

Then, and only then, will we know that the judicial process has worked, because we have helped it work. Then, and only then, when the ultimate penalty is imposed, can we collectively rest with a clean conscience. Then, and only then, can we truly find dignified justice in the mayhem of a murder trial.

Joseph Bodiford is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer and adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law.